Novak Djokovic can keep winning Grand Slams for years to come, says former coach Goran Ivanisevic ahead of Wimbledon third round

Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, insists that Wimbledon will not be the Serbian star’s last chance to win a Grand Slam.

However, Ivanisevic thinks that his former pupil will have several chances to win one of tennis’ four most iconic tournaments before he retires.

“I’m not saying he’d have won if he took that set, and even if he did, Alcaraz was waiting. But here, I see his chance.

“Looking at the draw, I don’t think no one can beat Djokovic before the semis, and he’s never lost to Sinner here.

“Okay, Australian Open and Roland Garros, but here Novak’s beaten him twice. In my view, Novak’s the favourite, no matter how sentimental that sounds.

“Alcaraz has beaten him twice, but last year Novak came after knee surgery, and in 2023 we all remember how close it was. Everyone says this is his last chance — I don’t agree.

“Plus, he’s the best grass-court player, experienced, he knows exactly what it takes here. It’ll be fascinating.”

Djokovic booked his place in the third round of Wimbledon with a 6-3 6-2 6-0 victory against Britain’s Dan Evans on centre court on Thursday.

He will take on his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in a mouth-watering match on Saturday afternoon.

His former coach Ivanisevic thinks that Djokovic has the technique and timing to keep playing for another three years.

“The other day he and Tsitsipas practised together,” he added. “It was a joy to watch, especially now that I’m on the other side.

“When I was his coach, it was great, but you’re always focused. What will he say, what to look for? Now I could just enjoy it.

“Such ease of movement, ease of play, the ball flies at 300 km per hour thanks to his technique and timing. If you look at that, he can play until LA.

“Motivation is another matter, showing up and training, he’s 38. But here, he looks ready, playing well, I get the sense he sees his opportunity.

“He just has to manage the nerves, sometimes that, I won’t say it ‘eats him up’, but it affects his execution. And it’s not his last chance, he has a shot at the US Open too.

“In Melbourne this year — if he hadn’t gotten injured, no way Zverev beats him, and the final with Sinner would have been interesting.”